Cosmetic product applicator and associated production method

ABSTRACT

This applicator comprises a first body ( 12 ), formed by a first molded part, which first body ( 12 ) comprising a first primary row ( 22 A) of projecting elements ( 38 ) and a second primary row ( 22 B) of projecting elements, the first primary row ( 22 A) being angularly spaced apart from the second primary row ( 22 B) with respect to an axis (A-A′) of the body ( 12 ). It comprises a second body ( 14 ) comprising a first secondary row ( 51 A) of projecting elements ( 62 ), arranged between the first primary row ( 51 A) and the second primary row ( 51 B), with the second body ( 14 ) being applied against the first body ( 12 ) between the first primary row ( 51 A) and the second primary row ( 51 B). The second body ( 14 ) is made of a second molded part assembled on the first body ( 12 ) after molding thereof.

This invention relates to a cosmetic product applicator, including:

a first body, formed by a first molded part, which first body comprisesat least one first primary row of projecting separation/combing/loadingelements and at least one second primary row of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements, the first primary row beingangularly spaced apart from the second primary row with respect to anaxis of the body;

a second body comprising a first secondary row of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements, arranged between the first primaryrow and the second primary row, with the second body being appliedagainst the first body between the first primary row and the secondprimary row.

By “cosmetic product”, we mean, in the sense of this invention, aproduct as defined in Regulation (EC) N° 1223/2009 of the EuropeanParliament and of the Council of 30 Nov. 2009, relating to the cosmeticproducts.

The cosmetic product intended to be applied by the applicator accordingto the invention is in particular in the form of a powder, a compactedsolid, or a fluid such as a liquid. The product is advantageously aproduct intended to be placed on the keratin fibers of a user, such asthe eyelashes or eyebrows. The product is, for example, a makeupproduct.

Makeup product applicators include, in some cases, a central core and aplurality of separation/combing/loading teeth projecting radially fromthe core.

To produce such applicators, it is known, for example, to form teeth bymolding, in particular when molding the core or by insert molding thecore with a material different from that of the core.

To this end, WO 2008/091128 describes a mascara brush that comprises acore equipped with a plurality of primary rows of separation/combingelements. The applicator comprises a second body injection molded on thefirst body and supporting a secondary row of separation/combing elementsarranged between a first primary row and a second primary row.

The second body is applied against the first body, between the firstprimary row and the second primary row.

Such an applicator can be formed from two materials of different typesand/or different colors. However, the production of such an applicatorby injection molding is complicated, and does not make it possible toobtain, in some cases, various forms of projecting elements, in a simpleand inexpensive manner.

EP 2 332 443 describes a cosmetic product applicator for eyelashes oreyebrows, including a support and an application portion. The supportcomprises a branch inserted in an orifice provided through theapplication portion. This portion does not therefore have a solidcross-section.

An objective of the invention is to obtain a cosmetic product applicatorcomprising a first body equipped with projecting elements and a secondbody, also equipped with projecting elements, assembled on the firstbody, which are produced in a simple and inexpensive manner, with thefirst body and the second body having projecting element shapes that areeasily adaptable.

To this end, the invention relates to an applicator of the typementioned above, characterized in that the second body is formed by asecond molded part assembled on the first body after molding thereof.

The applicator according to the invention can include one or more of thefollowing features, considered alone or in any technically possiblecombination:

the second body comprises a member holding the first secondary row, withthe first body defining, between the first primary row and the secondprimary row, a member insertion groove, with the member being engaged inthe groove;

the member is slidingly mobile along axis A-A′ in the groove during theassembly of the second body in the first body;

it comprises at least one element for radially retaining the member withrespect to the first body;

the second body comprises a second secondary row of projecting elements,with the first primary row being inserted between the first secondaryrow and the second secondary row;

the second body comprises a base, the first secondary row and the secondsecondary row projecting longitudinally from the base on each side of aslot for receiving a portion of the first body holding the first primaryrow;

the first body comprises a projecting portion, the base defining acentral opening for passage of the projecting portion of the first body,and the projecting portion being engaged through the passage opening;

the first body defines a plurality of grooves, with each groove beingarranged between a first primary row of projecting elements and a secondprimary row of projecting elements, with the second body defining aplurality of members, each member holding a secondary row of projectingelements, and each member being inserted into a corresponding groove;

the first body and the second body are made based on differentmaterials;

the projecting elements of at least one primary row have a differentshape from the projecting elements of at least one secondary row.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a cosmetic productapplicator, including the following steps:

providing a first body formed by a first molded part, with the firstbody comprising at least one first primary row of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements and at least one second primary rowof projecting separation/combing/loading elements;

providing a second body formed by a second molded part, with the secondbody comprising a first secondary row of separation/combing/loadingelements;

assembly of the second body on the first body after molding of thesecond molded part so as to arrange the first secondary row between thefirst primary row and the second primary row, with the second body beingapplied against the first body between the first primary row and thesecond primary row.

The method according to the invention can include one or more of thefollowing features, considered alone or in any technically possiblecombination:

the step of providing the first body includes the molding of the firstmolded part, the step of providing the second body including the moldingof the second molded part, with the first molded part and the secondmolded part being molded at a distance from one another, in particularin separate molding cavities;

the second body comprises a member holding a secondary row of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements, with the first body defining,between the first primary row and the second primary row, a memberinsertion groove, and the member being inserted in the groove duringassembly;

the engagement of the member in the groove comprises the longitudinalsliding of the member in the groove along the axis of the first body;

the first body defines a plurality of grooves, each groove beingarranged between a first primary row and a second primary row, with thesecond body defining, for each groove, a corresponding member, eachmember supporting a secondary row of projecting elements, and theassembly step comprising the engagement, advantageously simultaneous, ofeach member in a corresponding groove.

The invention will be easier to understand in view of the followingdescription, provided solely as an example, in reference to the appendeddrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a three-quarter perspective view of a first cosmetic productapplicator according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view equivalent to that FIG. 1, with an exploded perspectiveof the assembly of the applicator;

FIG. 3 is a view equivalent to that of FIG. 1 of a first applicator bodyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a view equivalent to that of FIG. 1 of a second applicatorbody of FIG. 1.

A first cosmetic product applicator 10 is shown in FIG. 1. Thisapplicator 10 is intended to apply a cosmetic product in the form of apowder, a compacted solid or a fluid such as a liquid. The product isadvantageously a product intended to be placed on the keratin fibers ofa user, such as the eyelashes or the eyelids. The product is, forexample, a makeup product.

The first applicator 10 comprises a first body 12 formed by a firstmolded part and a second molded part 14 formed by a second molded part.According to the invention, the second body 14 is assembled on the firstbody 12 after the first body 12 and the second body 14 have been molded.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the first body 12 is formed in a singlepiece of the same material.

Advantageously, the first body 12 is based on a plastic material, inparticular a thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomer material. Thefirst body is, for example, based on polypropylene, thermoplasticelastomer, polyamide and/or polyethylene.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first body 12 extends according to a centralaxis A-A′. It comprises an elongate base 16 and a plurality of radialribs 18A to 18D projecting radially from the elongate base 16. The ribs18A to 18D mutually define intermediate grooves 20.

The first body 12 also comprises a first primary row 22A of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements supported by a first rib 18A and atleast one second primary row 22B, 22C, 22D of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements, supported by a second rib 18B to18D, separate from the first rib 18A.

The first body 12 also advantageously comprises an attachment rod 24projecting at a proximal end of the body 12, and a head 26 projecting ata distal end of the body 12.

In this example, the base 16 is formed by an element rotating about axisA-A′. The base 16 is, for example, formed by a solid cylinder with acircular cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the base 16is elongate, in particular elliptical, or is polygonal.

The base 16 defines an exterior peripheral surface 28 forming the baseof the grooves 20.

In this example, the ratio of the maximum radial span of the base 16, inthis case its diameter, measured perpendicularly to axis A-A′, to thelength of the base 16, measured along axis A-A′, is less than 50%.

The length of the base 16 is, for example, between 15 mm and 40 mm andits maximum diameter is less than 10 mm, in particular between 2 mm and4 mm.

In the example shown in the figures, the first body 12 comprises atleast two ribs 18A, 18B angularly spaced apart from one another.

Advantageously, the number of ribs 18A, 18D is greater than two and isin particular between 2 and 6.

Each rib 18A to 18D extends longitudinally according to axis A-A′ of thebody 12.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, each rib 18A to 18D extends linearly,parallel to axis A-A′.

The ribs 18A to 18D are spaced apart from one another and mutuallyangularly define the grooves 20.

Each rib 18A to 18D projects radially from axis A-A′ with respect to thebase 16, from the exterior radial surface 28. In this example, thelength of each rib 18A to 18D, measured along axis A-A′, is less than orequal to the length of the base 16.

In particular, a proximal portion 30 of the base 16 projects axiallytoward the rod 24 from each rib 18A to 18D. The length of the projectingproximal portion 30 is advantageously less than the total length of thebase 16, with the lengths being measured along axis A-A′.

In this example, each rib 18A to 18D has a curved exterior face 32. Thecross-section of the exterior face 32 is, for example, substantially inthe shape of an arc of circle.

The maximum height of each rib 18A to 18D measured radially with respectto axis A-A′ between the exterior surface 28 and the exterior face 32 isgreater than 20% of the maximum transverse span e1 of the base 16,measured perpendicularly to axis A-A′. This height is advantageouslyless than 45% of the maximum transverse span e1 of the base 16.

The maximum height of the rib 18A to 18D is, for example, between 0.5 mmand 1.5 mm for a diameter of the body 16 advantageously between 2 mm and4 mm.

Each rib 18A to 18D comprises at least one element 34A, 34B for radialretaining of the second body 14. In this example, each rib 18A to 18Dcomprises two retaining elements 34A, 34B located laterally, on eachside of the rib 18A to 18D.

Each element 34A, 34B is, for example, formed by a tab-like projection36 extending over at least some of the length of the rib 18A to 18D. Theretaining element 34A, 34B projects into the groove 20. It is arrangedat an intermediate height between the exterior surface 28 and theexterior face 32.

Alternatively, the rib 18A to 18D is in the form of a dovetail and doesnot have a retaining element 36A, 36B.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, each rib 18A to 18D has a primary row22A to 22D of projecting separation/combing/loading elements 38.

Each row 22A to 22D comprises a plurality of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements 38 adjacent to one another andseparated from one another by intermediate spaces 39.

Each projecting element 38 projects radially from the rib 18A to 18D. Ithas an end 40 connected to the exterior face 32 of the rib 18A to 18Dand a free end 42.

Advantageously, each projecting element 38 tapers between the connectedend 40 and the free end 42. In the example shown in FIG. 3, theprojecting elements 38 are continuously pinched by being moved radiallyoutwardly. They are, for example, in the form of a point.

The projecting elements 38 are substantially aligned. They form theprimary row 22A, 22B.

The intermediate space 39 between each pair of projecting elements 38 isintended to receive cosmetic product and/or a keratin fiber of a user.

The rod 24 projects axially with respect to the proximal end of the base16. It has a length shorter than that of the base 16.

The head 26 projects from the distal end of the base 16. Advantageously,it axially closes off each groove 20. The exterior surface of the head26 is, for example, curved.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second body 14 is made in a single piece of thesame material. According to the invention, the second body 14 is formedseparately from the first body 12, with the first molded part formingthe first body 12 being molded at a distance from the second molded partforming the second body 14.

The second body 14 is based on a plastic material, in particular athermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomer material. The first body is,for example, based on polypropylene, thermoplastic elastomer, polyamideand/or polyethylene.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second body 14 comprises a plurality of members50A to 50D, each member 50A to 50D being intended to be inserted in acorresponding groove 20.

The second body 14 also comprises at least one first secondary row 51Aof separation/combing/loading elements supported by a first member 50Aand at least one second secondary row 51B to 51D ofseparation/combing/loading elements supported by a second member 50B to50D.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second body 14 also advantageouslycomprises a base 52 connecting the members 50A to 50D to one another.

Each member 50A to 50D has a shape substantially fitting that of thegroove 20 in which it is arranged.

Each member 50A to 50D thus has a length substantially equal to thelength of the groove 20 and an angular span substantially equal to theangular span of the groove 20.

The members 50A to 50D are angularly spaced apart from one another anddefine intermediate slots 54 intended to receive a rib 18A to 18D.

Each member 50A to 50D extends radially between an internal face 56intended to be applied against the first body and an external face 58,on which a secondary row 51A to 51D projects.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, each member 50A to 50B comprises acomplementary retaining element 60A, 60B intended to cooperate with aradial retaining element 34A, 34B present on the ribs 18A to 18D.

Each complementary retaining element 60A, 60B is formed in this exampleby a longitudinal groove with a shape substantially fitting that of theretaining element 34A, 34B.

In this example, each member 50A to 50D supports a secondary range 51Ato 51D of projecting separation/combing/loading elements 62.

Each secondary row 51A to 51B thus comprises a plurality of projectingelements 62 projecting radially from the exterior face 58 of the member50.

Each projecting element 62 has a tapered shape between an end 64connected to the member 50A and a free end 66. In this example, the freeend 66 is curved, and has, for example, a ball shape.

The projecting elements 62 of each secondary row 51A to 51D are alignedsubstantially longitudinally parallel to axis A-A′.

In this example, each pair of adjacent elements 62 defines anintermediate passage space 68 intended to receive a keratin fiber,and/or the cosmetic product.

In this example, the base 52 is arranged at the proximal end of thesecond body 14.

It comprises a ring 70, with a height substantially equal to the heightof the proximal portion 30. The ring 70 defines a central opening 72 forpassage of the proximal portion 30 and advantageously the rod 24.

The members 50A to 50D project axially from the ring 70.

The slots 54 defined between the members 50A, 50B are axially closed offat their ends by the ring 70.

According to the invention, the first body 12 and the second body 14 areassembled one on the other, after they have been molded separately fromone another. Thus, when the applicator 10 is assembled, the second body14 is mobile with respect to the first body 12 between a disassembledconfiguration, visible in FIG. 2, and an assembled configuration, shownin FIG. 1.

In the disassembled configuration, the first body 12 and the second body14 are entirely separate from one another.

In the assembled configuration, shown in FIG. 3, the members 50A to 50Dhave been inserted into the grooves 20 located between each pair of ribs18A to 18D. Each member 50A to 50D is applied by its interior face 56against the first body 12, at the level of the exterior surface 28defining the base of the groove 20.

The retaining elements 34A, 34B cooperate with the complementaryretaining elements 60A, 60B so as to radially hold each member 50A to50D in position between two ribs 18A to 18D of the first body 12.

Advantageously, in the assembled configuration, the ring 70 forming thebase 52 has been arranged around the projecting portion 30 of the body.The projecting portion 30 is engaged through the central opening 72 andis applied against the ring 70.

Each secondary row 51A to 51D of projecting elements 62 is locatedbetween two primary rows 22A, 22B of projecting elements 38. Similarly,each primary row 22A, 22B of projecting elements 38 is located betweentwo secondary rows 51A to 51D of projecting elements 62.

Advantageously, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, each member 50A to50D of the second body 14 is inserted into an associated groove 20, bysliding along an axis parallel to axis A-A′. The second body 14 is thusmoved in translation along axis A-A′ to go from its disassembledconfiguration to its assembled configuration.

In the assembled configuration, the exterior face 32 of each rib 18A to18D is advantageously flush with the exterior face 58 of each member 50Ato 50B placed between the ribs 18A, 18B.

Each rib 18A to 18D is inserted into a corresponding slot 54.

A method for producing an applicator 10 according to the invention willnow be described.

Initially, the first body 12 and the second body 14 are formedseparately by molding. Thus, the first body 12 is made in a single pieceof the same material molded in a first molding cavity. The second body14 is made in a single piece of the same material in the form of asecond molded part in a second molding cavity different from thatintended to form the first molded part.

Thus, the molding of each body 12, 14 is adapted to the structure ofthis body, thereby enabling different configurations of projectingelements 38, 62 to be obtained in a simple manner adapted to theparticular shape of the projecting element 38, 62.

The first body 12 and the second body 14 are molded separately, they canbe made of materials of different types and/or of different colors,thereby increasing the technical solutions available to the user.

Once the first body 12 and the second body 14 have been providedseparately, they go from their disassembled configuration shown in FIG.2 to their assembled configuration shown in FIG. 1.

To this end, each member 50A to 50D is inserted into a correspondinggroove 20 located between two adjacent ribs 18A, 18B and is held inposition against the first body 12. The interior face 56 of the member50 is applied on the exterior face 28 of the base 16 of the first body12.

Each rib 18A to 18D is received in a slot 54 defined between two members50A to 50D.

Advantageously, the engagement of each member 50A to 50D in a groove 20comprises the longitudinal sliding of the member 50A to 50D into thegroove 20 along axis A-A′.

The members 50A to 50D are connected to one another by the base 52, andthe engagement of the different members 50A to 50D can be simultaneous.

Once engaged, the second body 14 is held in position against the firstbody 12 by the cooperation between the retaining elements 34A, 34B andthe complementary retaining elements 60A, 60B.

Then, the applicator 10 is advantageously mounted at the end of a sheath(not shown).

To use the applicator 10, the user advantageously soaks the applicator10 in a cosmetic product container, causing the cosmetic product to fillthe intermediate spaces 39, 68 between the projecting elements 38, 62 ofthe primary rows 22A to 22D and the secondary rows 51A to 51D.

Then, the user brings the projecting elements 38, 62 into contact with akeratin surface, in particular into contact with the keratin fibers,such as the eyelashes, the eyebrows or the hair.

The user then deposits the cosmetic product supported by the applicator10 onto the keratin surface.

In the case of keratin fibers, the user may also insert at least onekeratin fiber into the respective intermediate space 39, 68 between twoprojecting elements 38, 62 so as to obtain an adequate separation,combing or loading effect of the cosmetic product on the fiber.

In alternatives, the first body 12 and the second body 14 are assembledto one another by snap-locking, welding, in particular by ultrasoundwelding or bonding.

In alternatives, the number of ribs 18A to 18D and the number of members50A to 50B is between 1 and 6.

The term “one” must be understood as meaning “at least one” unlessotherwise indicated.

With respect to the applicators of the prior art, and in particular thatdescribed in EP 2 332 443, the applicator according to the invention iseasier to assemble.

In particular, the second body 14 is assembled only from the outside ofthe first body 12, without having to perform a precise positioningthrough the first body 12.

The elongate base 16 of the first body 12 has a solid cross-section. Itmay be extended by an attachment rod 24 suitable for being inserted moreeasily into an opening of the rod of a gripping member. Conventionally,this gripping member advantageously forms a cap of a cosmetic productcontainer.

In particular, as the attachment rod 24 is made in a single piece, it issimple to insert it into the rod of the gripping member and to attach itby crimping, unlike the applicator described in the prior art.

1. Cosmetic product applicator including: a first body, formed by afirst molded part, which first body comprises an elongate base having aproximal portion, at least one first primary row of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements and at least one second primary rowof projecting separation/combing/loading elements, the first primary rowbeing angularly spaced apart from the second primary row with respect toan axis (A-A′) of the body and defining a groove, wherein the elongatebase has a solid cross-section defining an external peripheral surfaceforming the base of the groove; a second body, formed by a second moldedpart, wherein the second body comprises at least one first secondary rowof projecting separation/combing/loading elements, arranged between thefirst primary row and the second primary row, with the second body beingapplied against the first body after molding thereof, in which thesecond body comprises a base defining a central opening and at least onemember supporting said at least one first secondary row, the memberbeing engaged in the groove and the proximal portion of the elongatebase (16) being inserted into the central opening.
 2. Applicatoraccording to claim 1, wherein the member is slidingly mobile along axis(A-A′) in the groove during the assembly of the second body in the firstbody.
 3. Applicator according to claim 1, which comprises at least oneelement for radially retaining the member with respect to the firstbody.
 4. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the second bodycomprises a second secondary row of projecting elements, with the firstprimary row being inserted between the first secondary row and thesecond secondary row.
 5. Applicator according to claim 4, wherein thefirst secondary row and the second secondary row project longitudinallyfrom the base on each side of a slot for receiving a portion of thefirst body supporting the first primary row.
 6. Applicator according toclaim 1, wherein the first body defines a plurality of grooves, eachgroove being arranged between a first primary row of projecting elementsand a second primary row of projecting elements, the second bodydefining a plurality of members, each member supporting a secondary rowof projecting elements, each member being inserted into a correspondinggroove.
 7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the first body andthe second body are made based on different materials.
 8. Applicatoraccording to claim 1, wherein projecting elements of at least one firstrow have a shape different from the projecting elements of at least onesecondary row.
 9. Method for producing a cosmetic product applicator,including the following steps: providing a first body formed by a firstmolded part, with the first body comprising an elongate base having aproximal portion, at least one first primary row of projectingseparation/combing/loading elements and at least one second primary rowof projecting separation/combing/loading elements, the first primary rowand the second primary row define a groove, with the elongate basehaving a solid cross-section defining an external peripheral surfaceforming the base of the groove; providing a second body formed by asecond molded part, with the second body comprising a base defining acentral opening and at least one member supporting a first secondary rowof projecting separation/combing/loading elements; assembly of thesecond body (14) on the first body after molding of the second moldedpart so as to arrange the proximal portion of the elongate base (16) inthe central opening of the base and so as to arrange the membersupporting the first secondary row in the groove between the firstprimary row and the second primary row.
 10. Method according to claim 9,wherein the step of providing the first body includes the molding of thefirst molded part, the step of providing the second body including themolding of the second molded part, with the first molded part and thesecond molded part being molded at a distance from one another, inparticular in different molding cavities.
 11. Method according to claim9, wherein the engagement of the member in the groove comprises thelongitudinal sliding of the member in the groove along the axis (A-A′)of the first body.
 12. Method according to claim 9, wherein the firstbody defines a plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged betweena first primary row and a second primary row, with the second bodydefining, for each groove, a corresponding member, each membersupporting a secondary row of projecting elements, and the assembly stepcomprising the engagement, advantageously simultaneous, of each memberin a corresponding groove.
 13. Applicator according to claim 2, whichcomprises at least one element for radially retaining the member withrespect to the first body.
 14. Applicator according to claim 2, whereinthe second body comprises a second secondary row of projecting elements,with the first primary row being inserted between the first secondaryrow and the second secondary row.
 15. Applicator according to claim 3,wherein the second body comprises a second secondary row of projectingelements, with the first primary row being inserted between the firstsecondary row and the second secondary row.
 16. Applicator according toclaim 2, wherein the first body defines a plurality of grooves, eachgroove being arranged between a first primary row of projecting elementsand a second primary row of projecting elements, the second bodydefining a plurality of members, each member supporting a secondary rowof projecting elements, each member being inserted into a correspondinggroove.
 17. Applicator according to claim 3, wherein the first bodydefines a plurality of grooves, each groove being arranged between afirst primary row of projecting elements and a second primary row ofprojecting elements, the second body defining a plurality of members,each member supporting a secondary row of projecting elements, eachmember being inserted into a corresponding groove.
 18. Applicatoraccording to claim 4, wherein the first body defines a plurality ofgrooves, each groove being arranged between a first primary row ofprojecting elements and a second primary row of projecting elements, thesecond body defining a plurality of members, each member supporting asecondary row of projecting elements, each member being inserted into acorresponding groove.
 19. Applicator according to claim 5, wherein thefirst body defines a plurality of grooves, each groove being arrangedbetween a first primary row of projecting elements and a second primaryrow of projecting elements, the second body defining a plurality ofmembers, each member supporting a secondary row of projecting elements,each member being inserted into a corresponding groove.
 20. Applicatoraccording to claim 2, wherein the first body and the second body aremade based on different materials.